The mighty Matildas, one of Australia’s favourite national sporting teams, are coming to Macarthur.
And it’s not to play some run of the mill games – they will be chasing Olympic Games qualification no less.
They will play two of their three Olympic football tournament qualifiers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Monday, February 3 and Thursday, February 6.
The Tokyo Olympic Games qualifiers involving Australia, China, Chinese Taipei and Thailand were originally scheduled to be played in Wuhan, China.
The decision to play them in Australia was made by the Asian Football Confederation in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus in China.
This afternoon at 3pm, Mayor George Brticevic, Matildas coach Ante Milicic, his brilliant goalkeeper Lydia Williams and Mark Falvo, the chief operating officer of Football Federation Australia, jointly announced the Matildas would play Chinese Taipei and Thailand at Campbelltown Sports Stadium as part of two double headers.
Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta will host the third double header and final Matildas match against China on Sunday, February 9.
“We are proud to have the Matildas and the other teams play here,’’ Cr Brticevic told the assembled media representatives.
“As you can see everything is ready, the pitch is perfect, and we know how important that is.’’
“This is a great opportunity for the local community, who are getting ready for their first season of Macarthur FC to experience some great football,’’ Mr Falvo said.
“The FFA is grateful to Campbelltown City Council for hosting these games.’’
Coach Ante Milicic was his usual relaxed self, saying he was just “happy we are staying in Sydney and playing at home.
“All this is great getting the scheduling done and our job now is to deliver the results,’’ said the Matildas and Macarthur FC inaugural coach.
He said he was confident the whole Matildas squad would be available for selection, including legendary forward Sam Kerr.
His goalkeeper Lydia Williams, got the last word at the media conference: “Playing at home is amazing,’’ she said.
“Everyone’s fit and healthy and it’s now a matter of going out there and performing.
“We always play as proud Australians.’’
Tickets for each match day (which will feature double-headers with Australia always playing second) will go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, January 30 from 11am.
Match Schedule – Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers – Group B
Matchday 1 – Monday, 3 February 2020
China PR v Thailand – 4.30pm AEDT
Australia v Chinese Taipei – 7.30pm AEDT
Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah
Tickets – On sale 11.00am AEDT Thursday, 30 January 2020 (visit www.matildas.com.au)
Broadcast – Live on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and the My Football Live App; delayed on ABC TV
Matchday 2 – Thursday, 6 February 2020
Chinese Taipei v China PR – 4.30pm AEDT
Thailand v Australia – 7.30pm AEDT
Campbelltown Stadium,
Leumeah
Tickets – On sale 11.00am AEDT Thursday, 30 January 2020 (visit
www.matildas.com.au)
Broadcast – Live on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and the My Football Live App;
delayed on ABC TV
Matchday 3 – Sunday, 9 February 2020
Thailand v Chinese Taipei – 3.10pm AEDT
Australia v China PR – 6.10pm AEDT
Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta
